Colorado is home to both hot springs and historic scenic train rides, which both are known for the release of steam. Why not combine these experiences for a little steam with steam for a memorable and unique trip?
Although none of these entities currently offer a package with a train trip and a hot springs soak, you can choose your own adventure and try out multiple hot springs with one train ride or something else. Not all of these hot springs offer overnight lodging, so plan accordingly if you are staying near the train or at the springs.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Sometimes the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad makes a stop for adding water to the engine. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
This railroad is owned by Colorado and New Mexico since the tracks loop across the state lines multiple times, bringing tourists to both Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo. The Cumbres & Toltec was constructed in 1880 to serve silver mining needs in the area as a narrow gauge track. In 1970, it was purchased by the two states and in 1971 became a tourist train that allows riders to see natural areas that aren’t visible from roads or trails.
There are different rides available: a dinner train, a geology train, a Fourth of July train, plus daily excursions that let you choose from a partial or full train ride. Near Cumbres Pass, the tracks intersect with the Continental Divide Trail, where hikers can hop on and shave 14 miles of trail off their journey. (The cost is $30.)
As you ride the train, you’ll see the classic steam rise from the engine as the train puffs along the tracks and through the mountains — and hear the whistle from time to time.
Pagosa Springs
On a cool morning, you can expect the hot pools at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs to be steaming. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
While the towns of Chama and Antonito are charming and ready for train tourists, you might consider a relatively short drive to either Pagosa Springs in Colorado or Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico. Pagosa Springs is less than a one-hour drive from Chama or about 1 1/2 hours from Antonito. The Springs Resort, which is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, is currently expanding its lodging options and the number of pools for soaking. You’ll see steam rising off the pools and the San Juan River where the warmer water meets the colder mountain runoff.
Ojo Caliente is a 90-minute drive from Chama and an hour from Antonito, and you can choose between communal hot springs or reserve a private tub for soaking. These natural springs are known as being one of the few places where you can bathe in sulfur-free waters rich in iron, soda, lithia and arsenic.
Durango & Silverton Railroad
Once upon a time, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad connected to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, but those tracks that met in the middle are long gone and these are now two distinct experiences. Both of these trains have been used in countless movies, including Kevin Costner’s new Western saga, “Horizon,” which uses the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in a brief scene.
The train from Durango to Silverton was completed in 1882 and was always intended to be a scenic ride, as well as provide a way to haul mining riches. When the mines went bust, the little train ride faltered, but was later saved by private investment and determined locals. This train runs year-round, not just in the summer, with a variety of rides available depending on how much time you have, what you want to see, and the season. This train also provides wilderness access, via advanced booking or flagging down the engineer by “waving your hands horizontally between your knees,” according to durangotrain.com. The backpack fee is $15-$35, and details are available on where you can be dropped off for camping in the San Juan National Forest or Weminuche Wilderness on the website.
There are one-way or roundtrip rides from Durango to Silverton, or the Cascade Canyon Express, which goes halfway to Silverton.
The Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa has several pools to choose from. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)
The resort is just 8 miles from downtown Durango and has the world’s first oxygen-infused hot springs. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, this place has had a major upgrade: There are now 32 pools to sample — some adult-only, the majority family-friendly — that make each tub a totally one-of-a-kind experience. Check its schedule for live music so you can soak, sip and listen to tunes here.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
This is the closest option to Denver to ride a historic steam engine. This narrow gauge track is owned by History Colorado and was established in 1879. With open-air cars, riders can take in the mountain scenery during the 90-minute train trip. It’s an option to add a mine tour and gold panning during the trip too.
Indian Hot Springs
Although the train does not go to Idaho Springs, it’s a 15-minute drive from Georgetown to the Indian Hot Springs, where a large steamy pool awaits surrounded by a recreation of a jungle. There are also private outdoor tubs, and caves for soaking inside.
(Note: We are aware that while there are other historic Colorado train rides near hot springs — notably the Royal Gorge Route Railroad out of Canon City near the Desert Reef hot springs in Florence, or the Rocky Mountaineer that stops in Glenwood Springs — they are not steam engine trains so don’t quite fit the theme of riding a steam-powered train and soaking in a steaming hot natural pool.)